An insider's view of the Connecticut dining scene

Jul 22, 2013

08:09 AM

Bodega Taco Bar Celebrates National Tequila Day in Fairfield County

By Douglas P. Clement

Tequila has been called the heart and soul of Mexico, and this Wednesday, July 24, is National Tequila Day.

One of the places marking the occasion is Bodega Taco Bar, which is also celebrating its Best of the Gold Coast “The Best Mexican Restaurant” win and National Tequila Day at both the Fairfield and Darien locations.

“Come by Wednesday evening and try a sample of paQui, the newest addition to Bodega’s high end tequila offerings,” Bodega invites, explaining that “paQui means "to be happy" in ancient Aztec tongue.”

Bodega goes on to note that Thursday, July 25, is National Tequila Hangover Day—qualifying that with a “we made this one up.” Maybe it was the tequila talking, or maybe it was a way of saying that the “perfect cure is 2 for 1 breakfast tacos all day and night.”

On Thursday night, meanwhile, Bodega will be at the Stamford Hilton shaking up its signature Bodegaritas and “hand slapping” its famous guacamole at the Best of the Gold Coast Celebration. Tickets for the celebration are available at www.mofflymedia.com.

The Bodega party—maybe it’s tequila week?—continues Saturday night, July 27, in both Darien and Fairfield. There will be complimentary "shaved ice" on the sidewalk, Mexico City style. Toppings include homemade strawberry, tamarind and mango marmalades and hibiscus, watermelon, lime and dulce de leche syrups. Adults can spike it up a bit with a drizzle of paQui tequila. The shaved ice will be offered from 5 p.m. until “meltdown.”

According to its press information, "the first Bodega Taco Bar opened its doors in the spring of 2011 in Fairfield and has gained a reputation for its innovative take on handcrafted Mexican street food, creative cocktails, and its edgy design. Fans wanted more of this underground restaurant and bar and Chefs Michael Young and Luis Chavez, along with restaurateur Mario Fontana gave it to them in the form of their recently opened Darien location. Among the tony bistros and stylish shops that line the Post Road in Darien’s town center, Bodega marks its territory with an agave-chili-pepper infused social scene with an urban style and sensibility."